Juanita H. Thomas

On Monday, July 15, 2019, God called Juanita Hines Thomas, our beloved sister, aunt, and friend home. Juanita, affectionally known by her family as “Nita”, is the second child of five. She was born on October 3, 1950 to Paul Hoover Hines and Alberta Person Hines in Chicago, Illinois. When she was very young, the family moved back to Emporia, VA, where she was raised. Her christian experience began early in her life at St. Paul Church of God in Christ, in Emporia, VA, where she served in the choir. She was educated in the Greensville County Public School system and graduated from Edward W. Wyatt High School in 1969.

After graduating from High School, Juanita moved to Norfolk, VA, where she met and married the love of her life, Melvin Thomas. Melvin and Juanita were married on July 3, 1971, and was married for 47 years before his untimely passing on January 5, 2019. Juanita was a devoted and loving wife to “Mel”, as she affectionally called him. They spent all of their time together and were inseparable. They enjoyed taking trips to Texas and Louisiana to visit family. And, above all, loved entertaining. They often had barbeques and dinners, where family and friends could come eat and enjoy games and fellowship.

When Juanita moved to Norfolk, VA, she joined Mason Memorial Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Pastor David Williams. On July 1, 1979, Juanita joined the New Hope Church of God in Christ, in Norfolk, VA, under the leadership of Bishop Herman Clark, Sr. Juanita loved the New Hope Family and served faithfully in the New Hope Mass Choir and served on the Deacon and Trustee’s Wives auxiliary. She later joined New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Bishop Barnett Thoroughgood. Juanita loved the Lord and lived a life pleasing to him.

Family was very important to Juanita. She loved her husband, her parents, and her siblings. When growing up and even into adulthood, Juanita and her older sister Glenda were very close. Only 11 months apart, they were hardly ever seen one without the other. While their parents worked, Glenda and Juanita cared for their younger siblings, Deborah, Carlotta, and Mark. Juanita also loved her nieces and nephews and saw them as her own. She talked to her siblings often and cared for each of them deeply, a bond that will never be broken, even in her passing.

Juanita worked for Virginia Beach Industries for over 30 years. She received many awards and recognitions for her dedicated service and quality work ethic. After retiring, Juanita enjoyed spending time with her husband and her family. Getting together for family dinners and holidays was a joy for Juanita. Her infectious laugh and beautiful spirt will continue to live in the hearts and minds of those closest to her.

Remembering Juanita and thanking God for her life are her four siblings, three sisters, Glenda Coleman (Stanley) of Chesapeake, VA, Deborah Jones of Emporia, VA, Carlotta Pyant (Raymond) of Richmond, VA, one brother, Mark Hines (Fonda) of Clinton, MD; two sisters in law, Dorothy Comeaux (Homer) and Elsia Curry, two brothers in law, Joseph Turner and James Thomas, eight aunts, Ethel Scott, Queen Wiggins, Florence Frederick (Carl), Lillie McGhee, Elizabeth Kennedy (William), Marion Sheck, Elizabeth Person, and Maggie Harris, three uncles, James Person (Joyce), Joseph Person, and James Hines (Francis) and a host of nieces & nephews, friends and extended family members.